Indianapolis Colts Owner Jim Irsays Death Under FBI Investigation: REPORT
3 minute readPublished: Friday, January 23, 2026 at 12:13 am
FBI Investigating Death of Former Colts Owner Jim Irsay
Federal authorities are investigating the death of former Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, who passed away in May 2025 at the age of 65. The investigation is reportedly focused on the circumstances surrounding his death and the role of his physician, Dr. Harry Haroutunian, who prescribed him pain medication and ketamine.
The FBI issued federal grand jury subpoenas in January, seeking documents related to Irsay's death, his alleged drug use, and his relationship with Dr. Haroutunian, a California-based addiction specialist. Investigators spent several days in Indianapolis earlier this month as part of the probe.
Colts Chief Legal Officer Dan Emerson confirmed that subpoenas had been issued, but not to the team or its current employees. He declined to comment further.
Irsay, who became owner of the Colts in 1997, had been open about his struggles with substance abuse. Reports indicate he experienced a relapse in the final two years of his life and was allegedly being treated by Dr. Haroutunian. The death certificate listed cardiac arrest as the cause of death, but no autopsy was performed.
The Washington Post previously reported that Dr. Haroutunian allegedly prescribed Irsay over 200 opioid pills leading up to two separate overdoses in December 2023. Concerns were reportedly raised by those close to Irsay regarding the treatment he was receiving from the specialist. Dr. Haroutunian was a resident at the Beverly Hills Hotel, where Irsay passed away.
BNN's Perspective: This investigation highlights the complexities of substance abuse and the potential for over-prescription, even within the context of medical treatment. While the details are still emerging, it underscores the importance of careful oversight and the need for accountability in the medical field.
Keywords: Jim Irsay, Indianapolis Colts, FBI investigation, Dr. Harry Haroutunian, substance abuse, ketamine, opioid pills, death investigation, NFL, cardiac arrest, overdoses, prescription drugs.